Exceptional! Past Review

By (South Dakota School of Mines & Technology) - abroad from 02/27/2017 to 06/23/2017 with

Curtin University: Perth – Study Abroad & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that other countries have different learning and course structures, which was an added challenge--but worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I have always wanted to travel to Australia, and I found the best way to fulfill my dream was to do a study abroad program. Studying mining engineering in my 3 year, I did not have much of a choice but to study at the Kalgoorlie campus. The town is medium-small sized with what most consider not much to do. However, I had the best time in this town. The people were so nice, most of the professors wanted you to succeed, and there were many opportunities to network and make connections with people in the industry. The Kalgoorlie campus has a lot of traditions behind it, and the time spent there is definitely what you make out of it. The only downside to studying on this campus is that all the activities Curtin University has for the students is at the Bentley campus. You can still participate in the activities on the Bentley campus and go on the trips planned for the international students; however, you have travel all the way to Perth in order to participate in the activities and trips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international contacts from Curtin were great and really helped me through every step and every question I had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great; however, there were many unit inspections and it felt as if we had to maintain a flawless unit, as if we never actually lived there.

* Food:

Kalgoorlie was filled with yummy places to eat and had many days that had food specials. Such as $10 pasta night, parmi night, steak night, Hannan's breaky

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I enjoyed my study abroad experience. The people were great and the studies were good too.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was pretty easy to not spend money if you don't really go out or drink.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The community
* What could be improved?
  • More activities planned for Kalgoorlie students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I arrived with an open mind and that would be my suggestion for everyone going into a study abroad program. Your experience is what you make of it, so take advantage of all the opportunities.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!